If thereís one room in the house most people long to be high end, itís the bathroom. A room of relaxation and rest. The one place everyone can find time to themselves within, even if itís two minutes. The bathroom is our sanctuary. And you donít need to break the bank to create a luxe environment.

Frame a flat bathroom mirror with molding for a classic and one-of-a-kind look. Detailed millwork is synonymous with an upscale home because more time and effort has been put into the fine details. Pick a style of molding that matches your unique preferences and a wood stain or paint color to match the rest of your decor.

A new shower head isnít immediately visible so itís not a style upgrade. However, itís an upscale lifestyle upgrade to be certain. A rain shower head provides a steady, even flow of water while covering more surface space.

Update the light fixture(s) in your bathroom to change the aesthetics and light quality. There are many sleek, minimalist vanity light fixtures on the market if you are looking to keep up with trends. For a dramatic change look for sconce shapes that differ from those already installed. If you have bell-shaped sconces look for a square or rectangular option. If you have bulbs try ovaluar or sleek coned shape sconce.

Install matching metal finishings from the faucet to drawer pulls. Sometimes as we update our homes feature by feature mismatched hardware happens. Take the opportunity to create a cohesive harmony throughout the room by matching knobs, faucets and light fixture finishes. Knobs being the most budget friendly and easiest to swap, try to match these to your existing hardware and not the other way around.

A new coat of paint can make the world of difference in any room. Bathrooms seem to seldom get the same playful attention to color as other rooms do. And a color from years past can dramatically date a room despite more classic pieces within it. Donít be afraid to make a bold statement with a pop of color. Or cover up tired blue walls with a neutral shade for a high-end look.

Invest in a towel warmer for a luxe after-bathing experience. With many styles to choose from youíll be sure to find one in a style that fits your current decor without a problem. Towel warmers come as drawers or as a rack. Racks either install on the wall or come as a stand-alone piece. All three options can utilize an outlet without having to be installed as a part of your electrical work like a light fixture would.

One surprising way to upgrade your bathroom is with plants. Look for varieties that thrive off of humidity to create a lush, paradise. Plants have a soothing effect and will have your bathroom feeling like a true oasis. If you donít have a natural green thumb consult an expert at your local gardening center to find those that will do best in the lighting and air conditions of your bathroom.

Deciding to put up a fence on your property may seem like a simple decision, but there are a lot of things to consider before hiring a contractor to get it done.

One question to ponder is whether your neighbors might be offended or annoyed by the sudden appearance of a fence near the edge of their property. The answer to that question would partly depend on your relationship with your neighbor, the size of your lot, and whether the fence is tasteful or an eyesore. The problem with that standard is that "tasteful" is in the eyes of the beholder!

Tall fences can and sometimes do have a way of changing the look and feel of your immediate neighborhood, so the installation of a fence could potentially cause resentment from other property owners. The decision to put up a fence on your property is a personal one, but there's also a lot of value in maintaining friendly neighbor relations. (It can be a delicate balance!)

One Step at a Time

In some places, local ordinances or Homeowner Association rules may impose restrictions on fences and other structures. Many towns and municipalities require that you (or your contractor) obtain a building permit before putting up a fence, so a quick phone call or email to the appropriate local official can shed light on requirements, restrictions, and other assorted rigmarole!

Since the cost of installing a fence can easily run into the thousands, it always pays to get a few estimates and proposals from reputable fence companies. Other decisions include choosing the best height and composition of the fence. Fencing materials range from metal and chain link to vinyl and wood. Composite fencing materials are also an option.

Your choice will depend on a lot of factors, including cost, durability, maintenance aspects, and appearance. Online information, free brochures, and meetings with contractors can help you learn more and make an informed decision.

Once you've moved beyond the potential issues of installing a fence on your property, there are several distinct advantages to fencing in your back yard.

Enhanced privacy: While "privacy" can mean different things to different people, a tall fence offers an immediate solution to a variety of privacy-related problems.

Pet containment: If you don't always have the time or energy to take your dog(s) for a walk in the neighborhood, it's a major convenience to be able to let them out in a contained area to relieve themselves and get a little fresh air. It can also be a good way to keep them safe and out of trouble!

Wildlife barrier: Although there are often gaps at the bottom of fences that prevent fences from being completely wildlife-proof, a properly installed fence can drastically reduce the chances of wildlife sneaking their way into your back yard. Whether you want to protect your vegetable garden or pets from wild animals, a solid fence can be the barrier that you need.

Increased security: While fences are not always an impervious barrier to burglars, trespassers, and other intruders, it does provide some protection from those potential threats.

If you're searching for a new home or looking to improve your existing property, the right kind of fence can provide you and your family with a myriad of benefits.

If you love entertaining and hosting dinner guests, you probably take the time to create beautiful meals with paired cocktails to complete your menu. For those who entertain frequently, shopping for cocktail supplies can add time and a bit of hassle to arranging your meal. You have to go to several different stores to find the right liquor and mixers. Instead, designing and stocking up your home bar can help you be prepared for your guests at any time and make those last-minute invites hassle free. It can also add interest and appeal to your kitchen, dining room or living room space. So, what do you need to create a sophisticated bar set up for your home?

The first step to ensuring you can create delicious cocktails anytime is to have the right tools. Visit your local restaurant or bar supply store and find yourself one or two standard shakers along with a couple of strainers. Pick up a bar spoon and a jigger or two for perfectly mixed cocktails every time ó for those new to mixology a jigger is a measuring tool used to portion out your liquor and mixers for balanced drinks. For beautiful garnishing purchase a twist peeler bar knife and a small paring knife. If you'd like to be able to make your own fresh mixers, definitely invest in a small juicer. Finally, top off your shopping trip with glassware. Think about the number of people you typically have over and purchase a combination of glasses to support your entertaining habits. A set of martini glasses, highball or Collins glasses and rocks glasses should do the trick. Tipófor sophisticated rocks drinks invest in a couple of rock ball molds you can use to prepare large ice spheres. Bonus Tipóyou can look up cocktail recipes online, but a great bar bible is an excellent addition to your home bar. Find one at your bar supply shop or bookstore.

Now that you have your tools you are ready to build your liquor selection. You can build out your bar over time, so donít worry about getting twenty bottles of liquor all at once or emptying your bank account to get all the top-shelf brands. There are tasty and affordable options for all liquors. Think about the cocktails you typically like to create, or simply invest in the supplies to make a few of the classics. Find a bourbon you prefer for making an old-fashioned and sweet vermouth for manhattans. Purchase your favorite gin and vodka for martinis, bloody mary's and simple mixed drinks, along with dry vermouth. Have a silver tequila on hand for margaritas, and finally, round out your selection with a white rum and a dark rum for mojitos or a dark and stormy.

The last things you need to build beautiful cocktails are your mixers and garnish. Though you will have to purchase your fresh, perishable items like oranges, limes, and mint closer to your dinner date, there are some items you can have on hand and some simple syrups you can prepare earlier in the week to save time on the day. You can purchase a jar of Luxardo cherries that will keep for a long time, and martini olives (and juice) will also stay fresh for a good while when refrigerated. Many pre-made bloody mary mixes also have an extended fridge life. Your basic simple-syrup lasts in your fridge for a long time and is made quite easily with hot water and sugar. If you plan to pair a specific cocktail with your meal, you can prepare additional mixers a two to four days ahead. Juice fresh lime for margaritas, combine lemon and lime for sour mix or create a mint simple-syrup for mojitos. Remember you donít want to make huge amounts of mixers that wonít keep. To save on costs only prepare the mixers you need for the cocktail or cocktails youíre making that week and base your amounts on the number of people you expect to entertain.

You now have all the essentials to maintain your home bar and keep yourself prepared for entertaining anytime. If youíre new to making cocktails or are trying a new one for the first time, remember to practice ahead of your dinner to ensure you have the right combination of ingredients. Practice your lemon twists and orange peels for gorgeous garnishing, and you're ready to go!

If entertaining is a fundamental part of your lifestyle, let your real estate agent know. They can help you find a home with the best kitchen and dining space for your dinners and parties and maybe even something with a beautiful built-in bar.

If you're ready to sell your home, you may wonder if the time is right. Timing is truly everything when youíre selling a home. If you have some flexibility, it might be a good idea to wait to sell your home. Even with time constraints, there are a few strategies to employ that can help you find the sweet spot in your time frame.

The Month Matters

Itís widely accepted in the real estate community that the best time to sell a home is in the spring. Since people want to get moved in over the summertime, May could be the best month of the year to put your home on the market.

Why Spring?

Springtime offers favorable weather conditions in most places. The good weather means that itís easy for buyers to get to open houses. Homes will also look more attractive with green grass and flowers blooming. Parents also want to get their kids settled into a new home and new neighborhood over the summer months before they start a new school.

Competition

The favorable conditions along with the urgency of springtime buyers translate into more competition which equates to a better price tag for your home because buyers are willing to pay more due to the anxiety of wanting to find a place.

The Day Of The Week Matters

Most buyers start looking for homes when they have free time which is generally on the weekend. That means the end of the week- preferably a Thursday- is a good day to pick to list your home. Homes that were listed earlier in the week will be farther down on the search page. Buyers will be more likely to see your listing first the later in the week that itís listed.

Consider Your Needs

While timing is a good marketing strategy to sell your home, you need to go by your own timeline. If you need to move due to a job change or other life circumstances, you canít wait to sell. There are pros to selling during many different times of the year; it just may not be as busy or competitive on the buyerís side of things. Selling your home fast might not be a sure thing. No matter what time of year you decide to sell your home, just make sure itís inviting to buyers.

Windows have both aesthetic and functional uses in the home. They help the keep the fresh air in the house and the elements out. Windows are also an essential source of security in a home, and poorly secured windows can be dangerous for you. Many people do not plan enough for windows when building or renovating a house. Here are some things that you must consider when selecting windows for your home:

Type and Quality of Materials

The quality of window production materials is critical to note because it plays a vital role in the lifespan of the windows. Windows made from vinyl frames, and high-performance low-E4 thermal glass, are excellent for adding energy efficiency. They possess strength with the ease of vinyl. They're resistant to rot, cracks, and corrosion.

Personal Style

Windows come in many unique styles. When it comes to window selection, there is a wide array of window types for you to choose from for your home. These include styles like classic double-hung and casement windows to a dynamically beautiful bay, bow, or picture windows. Also, you can get specialty windows which are custom built for unusual-sized or shaped openings. No matter the type you desire, be assured that your choice of selection fits your style and convenience.

Cleaning and Housekeeping

You may not consider cleaning windows as a tedious task. Still, it could become so if you have too many windows around the house. While making selections, ensure that windows you choose have features like tilt-in sashes and easy-to-operate handles. These are standard accessories you should find on most double-hung, sliding, casement, and specialty replacement windows. They also make windows easier to clean.

Contractor Installation

If the contractor in charge of the job does not install your windows correctly, the window might likely not look the way you want. If you choose your windows and the contractor carefully, then it's a sure bet that you'll be satisfied with your purchase even after many years.

You can go to the local home hardware store to look at the many styles available, ask questions, and also ask for information about contractors and window installers. You may also be able to buy directly from the manufacturer and save some money depending on the quantity you are buying. You also get to know first-hand what you are buying and how to get the best out of it.